Learn about Japanese Pottery at the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo
Founded in 2005, the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo is a prefectural museum specializing in earthenware in Tamba Sasamaya. The facility functions as a base for both the creation and exchange of ceramic culture. During special exhibits, the museum showcases international and domestic ceramic artwork, while the permanent collection focuses on Tamba pottery.
The museum also holds workshops and lectures are held to familiarize visitors with pottery culture as well.
There are workshop facilities for creative activities and events, an observation deck, and a dining cafe on the premises. From the observation deck, visitors can look over the kilns of Tachikui Pottery Village and take in the sight of Mt. Wadenji (591 meters) in the distance.
At the museum cafe, Kokuzo, visitors can savor pasta and dishes made with organic vegetables harvested from the fields right before you. These delectable meals are served on and in tamba ware, and guests can take in the natural scenery while eating.
Enjoy exquisite pottery made from Tamba Sasayama's rich soil and natural environment as you relax in this artistic space.
The Features and Intrigue of Tamba Pottery
Different types of ceramics and pottery have originated in Hyogo Prefecture. Starting with Tamba yaki, or Tamba ware, there is also Sanda yaki, Tozan yaki, Izushi yaki, Minpei yaki, and many other varieties of earthenware. At the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo, you can see these and other pottery on display in their "Kan Tanaka Collection," which is composed of numerous examples of traditional ceramics from the region.
In fact, the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo permanently exhibits items from one of the oldest-known kilns in Japan, designated as one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns. This exhibition space is called "The World of Tamba Pottery."
Tamba pottery is said to have originated in the late Heian Period (794-1185). Until recently, it has been produced in unbroken succession. Tamba pottery is renowned for its beautiful natural glaze patterns. The earliest examples of Tamba pottery came about from the settling of ash on the pottery as they were baked in the kilns.
On the other hand, during the Edo Period (1603-1868), not only was iron-rich red clay used—creating a vibrant red-brown glaze on the pottery—but chestnut brown glazes and white clay were used to paint these ceramics with original designs. These different styles can all be admired in detail at the museum.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo holds special exhibitions on domestic and international ceramics five times a year. The museum looks forward to your visit.
Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo
Address: Hyogo, Sasayama, Kondacho, Kamitachikui 4
TEL: 079-597-3961
Official website: http://www.mcart.jp/english/
Access: Take the JR Fukuchiyama Line to Aino Station, then take the Shinki Bus bound for the Museum of Ceramic Art Hyogo, Konda Yakushi Onsen, or Shimizu, and get off at the Museum of Ceramic Art Hyogo stop.
Closed: Mondays (open on Monday if it's a national holiday, and closed the next day instead)
Admission fee: Varies for each exhibition
